BAT Italy v. Italian Competition Authority

British American Tobacco Italia (BATI) appealed a decision by the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) that imposed a fine of €6,000,000 for engaging in misleading commercial practices in the advertising and promotion of its heated tobacco devices, Glo Hyper X2 and Glo Hyper Air. 

The Regional Administrative Court of Lazio (First Section) upheld the decision. It agreed with AGCM’s findings that BATI failed to adequately disclose that use of the devices necessarily involves nicotine consumption and that they are not intended for minors, and that its emphasis on the devices as “nicotine-free” or "mere electronic devices" was likely to mislead consumers regarding health risks and product purpose. The Court further concluded that these omissions compromised consumers’ ability to make informed decisions, particularly given the devices’ exclusive and necessary role in the consumption of heated tobacco.

British American Tobacco Italia S.p.A. v. Italian Competition Authority, Judgment No. 12941/2025, Regional Administrative Court of Lazio (First Section)(2025).

  • Italy
  • Jun 25, 2025
  • Regional Administrative Court of Lazio (First Section)

Parties

Plaintiff / Petitioner / Applicant / Appellant

  • British American Tobacco Italia S.p.A.

Defendant / Respondent / Appellee

  • Italian Competition Authority (Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato)
  • National Consumers Union
  • Union for the Defense of Consumers

Legislation Cited

Consumer Code

Related Documents

Type of Litigation

Tobacco Control Topics

Substantive Issues

Type of Tobacco Product